Who discovered Connecticut?

A:

Quick Answer

The first people to discover Connecticut were Paleo-Indians, arriving between 9,000 to 12,000 years ago. The first European to explore the area of present-day Connecticut was Adriaen Block, who navigated the Connecticut River in 1614.

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Prior to European exploration, Connecticut was inhabited by members of the Pequot, Algonquin and Mohican tribes. The name Connecticut is derived from those languages' word "quinatucquet," meaning "beside the long tidal river." The explorer Block was also credited with naming Rhode Island and was considered the first European to traverse Long Island Sound. After colonization, the Dutch built the first European settlements in the area, including New Netherland, Saybrook Colony, New Haven Colony and Connecticut Colony.